Middle Tenn. State University is celebrating its 100 Anniversary as an institution of high learning which has been committed to academic excellence and student success.
It was founded on September 11, 1991and is the oldest and largest university in the Tenn. board of Regents System.
It was named Middle Tenn. State Normal School with Professor R.R Jones as its president. The second president was Perry L. Harmed.
Politics played a big roll in the school’s president.
A local citizens group selected and elected it’s third president, P.A. Lyon, dean and professor of mathematics.
We were told that Professor Lyon was the only president of the school without a college degree. He served only two years as president when “politics” and “politicians” re-elected R. L. Jones as president. He served until 1921.
The name of the school has been changed several times. President Sidney McPhee says that some members of the University Community would like to see the change to the University of Middle Tenn. leaving “State” out of the name.
Personally, we prefer it to remain the same, because we received our degrees under that name and our class ring shows that name.
We have experienced and know the value of Middle Tenn. State University. Many DeKalb County educators are alumni of MTSU. We should have a voice in this matter.
Todd and Michele Kent entertained with a birthday dinner at their home in Lascasses honoring Elizabeth Miller on her 11 birthday and Olivia Miller on her eighth birthday, Saturday evening.
School and neighbor friends and relatives helped the girls celebrate their birthdays. Attending were relatives from this area, Roger and Kathy Hendrix, Jared and Jennifer Hendrix, Jim and Judy Kimbrell, David and Monica Reynolds, Jerald and Lisa Cripps, Jordan and Nicole Cripps, and Matthew and Melody Cripps of Murfreesboro.
Elizabeth and Olivia received many beautiful and useful gifts.
Mr. and Mrs. Jerald Cripps, Dismal Rd., Liberty, Mr. Brigham Ayers, Smithville, and Mr. and Mrs. Jordan Cripps were the Sunday dinner guests in the home of Mrs. Jim Cripps, Dwight and Joe.
We enjoyed talking with Betty Jane Mullican, Wednesday evening. She has read the Dry Creek Flashes this week and enjoyed reading about the “Johnny Jump up” flowers.
They will reseed from one year to another if planted in the right place, Betty had planted these delicate flowers at her home in Lebanon.
Betty and Garry have goats on their farm in Possum Hollow, which means no flowers. It so happens, that Garry loves his goats and maybe Betty loves them too.
We are experiencing thunder storms in the Dry Creek Valley this Wednesday evening with heavy rain. We just pray for safety and God’s blessings upon everyone. We are having more storms than usual.
God has called another Senior Citizen from this earthly home to his eternal home, which is joy, peace and happiness forever.
This well-liked, kind and truthful gentleman lived in Smithville for many years. He was known to the Woodrow Frazier Family as the person to see and talk with at the “Ford Place” when deciding on the family car or a number one truck. Yes, Woodrow Frazier and family had driven Plymouths for years, but John Alexander, the gentle persuasive man that he was, introduced the beautiful LTD Ford to the Frazier Family.
Wat a great car and what a nice man to believe in his car and the business which he loved for many years in Smithville.
We feel privileged to have known and depended upon John Alexander for as many years. The years when we were both teaching and needed good cars and trucks to drive, Mr. Alexander was always there to help us choose the right one. Even after we were left alone, John was there to give advice and any help he could.
Now, John Alexander, is in a place where all is quiet and peaceful, no worries or cares, no more pain or sorrow.
We extend our sincere sympathy to his dear wife, Jane; daughter, Sandy; husband, Steve Hays; their children; and to all other relatives and friends.
A large audience attended the Easter musical, “The Love of God,” at the Dry Creek Baptist Church, Sunday evening.
Edward and Frances Frazier, Susan Hinton and Jack and Frankie Watkins of Smithville attended the Easter Musical. It is always good to see these nice friends at Dry Creek Baptist.
Other events to be held at Dry Creek Baptist are on April 28 the seniors will go out to eat with Pastor, Bro. Don Owens, and in June they will be having Vacation Bible School.  
Everyone is welcome at Dry Creek Baptist. See you in church!
Sing, O heavens! Be joyful, O Earth! (Isaiah 9:13).